GUANGZHOU, CHINA - Police in the capital of South China's Guangdong province will clamp down on the sale of cutting tools as a security measure ahead of the Asian Games, which are scheduled to kick off on Nov 12.

Starting Nov 1, people in Guangzhou will only be able to buy kitchen knives and other large-sized cutting tools at designated shops, according to a notice issued on Thursday.

Anyone looking to buy a knife must carry proof of identification, which will be registered in police records on the spot, the notice said.

The crackdown will last two months, the notice said.

Those who wish to buy "dangerous cutting tools", such as knives, will have to inform the police of the purchase.

All shops designated to sell any dangerous tools are equipped with surveillance cameras and infrared security systems, the notice said.

The police have also directed shops to refuse the sale of knives to people with mental disabilities and teenagers.

Guangzhou residents backed the move, saying they understood the need for extra security ahead of the Asian Games and that the clampdown on sharp tools will not affect their daily life.

"During events like the Asian Games, the police should do all they can to guarantee security," said Li Yayin, 20, a sophomore at Guangdong University of Technology. "I just hope it turns out to be effective."

A Guangzhou police officer, who declined to be named, said the department had not received any complaints about the move so far.

Moving toward the system where only one large knife is allowed per 100 people. If you need to cut things, the knife is chained to a large steel table in the community kitchen, and must be inventoried and signed for each day.

Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I’ll tell you something my lad. When you’re walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don’t come crying to me!

Disclaimer:
Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual
posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its
management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the
exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.